Basusena: An untold saga of Karna, the tragic hero of Mahabharat

But how I wish

I could hear someone slander against Partha

And Partha only…

Let Partha’s slander

Come from all directions

From the premises of court

From the lips of children going to school

From the chirping of birds….

If I could hear the slanderous words

In the stealthy darkness

Coming from the neighbourhood of brothers…

From the songs of Yogis wandering

With begging-bowls

From the half-asleep, half-awake

Army-camp !….

To Partha’s slanderer

I shall offer all my skills of archery

All my virtues of this life

And of previous lives, if needed

Rest of the kisses of my wife meant for me

Shall offer the span of my life….

Dr. Hrushikesh Mallick very artistically brings down Karna from a high pedestal and makes him speak like a commoner. Yet, the feelings are genuine and sincere. And the readers are made to wonder at such verses stated above.

The whole of Basusena is replete with such verses. When I read the book in its original version (Odia), I felt impelled to translate it into English since I sincerely felt this great work richly deserves a wider audience. The wonderful command Dr Mallick has over Odia language and his way of presenting his thoughts in a form and style all his own sometimes defy translation. I have tried to make a modest attempt. I will be very happy if this translated version gives some moments of joy to the readers.